Trials .... Some error :-)

I have been on the natural hair journey for awhile now (2-3 years maybe) and to date I have never worn my hair out. By the term 'out' I mean just the hair that grows out of my head; with no weaves, no wigs, no nothing! I get this great feeling of discomfort having my natural heir out on display. It makes me feel as though I'm naked. I think one of reasons for this is that I am not entirely pleased with my edges; they are just not as thick as the rest my hair and always the first section to 'nap up' when left out. In turn the rest of my hair when combed out looks dare I say long and nice, but give it some time and swoosh<\> I appear to have 5 inches of hair :-( I really do think I should just get over myself and embrace it all... I'm trying.... But not without a trial and some error.